Once again, the end of the year is upon us. Admittedly with far more disasters and planned austerity measures for the weeks and months ahead than with feelings of joy and satisfaction. It is even still pleasant to listen to the radio or to watch the news on TV? Do you ever hear anyone say that they don't have any problems, neither physical, mental nor financial and that they are perfectly happy?

And yet, with all our courage and will power, we try to face up to the situation and do the best we can!

Some generous-hearted people devote themselves to older or disabled people, others to sick children or to our four-legged friends who are most often ignored by society. Many will say: "they are only animals"!

Yet, do you think we would be able to live without cats or dogs, both faithful (and often the only) companions of humans? Could we do without hearing birds sing at sunset and sunrise? Without the butterflies that fertilize flowers or bees who help produce honey that is so beneficial to our health?

In this world that has become so ungrateful, we have to keep hoping for a better life. We must always look ahead and not back. Every day we have to savour the things that give us pleasure and share them with those around us.

The end of 2011 is quickly approaching and that is the time to say "peace on earth to well-intentioned people". Today, more than ever, let's live up to this wish.

All the activities that take up all our time during the year is geared to carrying out our mission, i.e. to save a maximum number of animals from the distress they find themselves in through no fault of their own.

This is why in every magazine, in addition to the pages dedicated to animals up for adoption (written by our friend Anne Dumortier), I also make a special appeal for certain cats or dogs whose story has saddened me particularly.

In our last issue, I wrote up a fictitious interview with our dear BILLY. Born unlucky? ...for sure. His coming and goings at the shelter were never due to him. First he was abandoned for financial reasons... the second time due to his master's illness...and the third time due to his mater's death. He has been with us for months now. Why is this beautiful, gentle Labrador still looking at life from behind bars?

Today, just as I was about to make another appeal for Billy, a charming lady who had read the appeal came to take him. Eureka ! Dear Billy, please don't disappoint the trust that your new mistress has placed in you and never come back to see us, unless it is just to say hello! GOOD LUCK Billy.

Still in the September issue, I introduced you to a sweet three-coloured tabby called VODKA and to her companion LUNA. The latter left our cattery almost immediately afterwards. VODKA, however, despite all her best efforts to impress each and every visitor, had no such luck. It was always another cat that left! Marie-Noëlle CLOES, Help Animals member from the start who had become a friend over time, was an unconditional cat lover. I had assured her, when she entrusted us with her last two cats before dying, that I would do my very best to find them both a new home in which they would be able to spend happy days without forgetting their former mistress before being eventually reunited with her again. September, October and November went by until luck turned and a very nice young lady immediately fell in love with VODKA. This was to be expected given that for 3 months VODKA had been greeting all visitors at the entrance of the cattery. Good luck to both of you. I hope that you will live as long as possible together.

POUPETTE.

This very cute, young and friendly three-coloured fox is depressed, believe me. She came to us with a broken front paw (probably due to being violently kicked by someone unaware of their strength and of a brutal disposition). Now she has fully recovered, but her young life is limited to a very small space and a walk round the block. Is that the life she is entitled to? It's obvious that once she is set free, it will be hard to channel her energy as she has not learnt anything yet, nor has she received any training in obeying or house-training. With some patience, POUPETTE will become an exemplary little dog who will bring joy and happiness to her adopting family. Meet her.... as soon as you can.

RED :

This superb Doberman, only 4 years old, was brought to us by the police in May 2011. Until then he had been living with lady in an apartment, but then she was jailed. Why? That is none of our business.... RED is neutered. Judging by his behaviour at the shelter, we see that he likes other dogs; he is nice and calm with adults and children. Even though he has lived in an apartment, a garden would be good for him. Perhaps you will come to see him during the Open Door Days in December: that is not long to go!

Do shout loudly RED !

These are only two cases amongst many, as all impatiently await your visit and perhaps the spark that will make you open the door to freedom for them.

In advance, thank you on their behalf!

Come and do your Christmas shopping at our stand at the Uccle market, St Job Square, on 24-25-26 and 27 November where you will be able to cheaply decorate your home, dinner table and Christmas tree with the new items we chose for you.

Finally, before the year is up, we will be delighted to see you on 3 and 4 December at the shelter at our Open Door Days. Perhaps you will come intending just to say hello...but, perhaps, while wandering in the corridors, you will fall in love with one of our little guests? What a precious gift that would be for you... and especially for him or her: to spend the holidays surrounded by a loving new family!

Do read all the articles in our magazine, you will find them no doubt interesting.

Fabrizio Follacchio (director), the whole board and I wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year 2012.
Let's hope that this year be sweet and pleasant for all of you and your four-legged companions.

Liliane LAMBEAU
President